ATHOL – Who can still remember how they felt when the first day of school was just around the corner? There’s the fun part of shopping for new school clothes and supplies, but starting the school year with a new teacher, a different school, or unfamiliar faces can cause anxieties for some children, especially for those who fear social interaction or bullying.
Clinical & Support Options, which is co-located with Athol Hospital at 2033 Main St., is ready to help. “We, by nature, don’t like changes. It’s a natural, normal response,” said Barbara Doyle, CSO’s Clinical Director of Outpatient Services. “The kids we see are worried about how it’s going to be, what to expect. It’s a mixed bag of excited and nervous.” Parents can also get support who may be stressed about transporting their children or childcare issues.
Doyle said CSO has been working closely with the guidance departments and teachers in the Athol-Royalston school district which has school-based clinicians at Athol-Royalston Middle School and the Athol Community Elementary School.
A child will be referred to outpatient counseling at CSO after an instructor, paraprofessional, or cafeteria worker reports to the guidance department when approached by the child. Doyle said a student may not go to an adult about bullying because of a fear that the bully will find out and there will be repercussions, or a fear that the adult won’t believe them.
The clinic also sees clients who struggle to maintain or initiate relationships in the classroom. Very young children are coached in role-playing, pretend activities and play out scenarios. “We do a lot of modeling and educating around social skills,” Doyle said. A therapeutic mentor is available to help a child practice skills in the community, for example, by bringing them to a playground to help them interact with children, or going to the library and practicing basic social skills.
Some students may be anxiety-riddled, have low self-esteem, or are cautious and unsure of how to behave in certain situations. “We can coach the parent to show their child how to be more assertive,” Doyle said.
“Teenage years are very hard as they try to figure out their identity, and experiences with bullying can add to their stress,” Doyle said. A student who has experienced a traumatic experience can undermine their sense of self and identity, disrupting emotional and cognitive development and may not have a fear of strangers because they are looking for safety, shelter and love from an adult, disregarding the danger. If the student has poor coping and social skills, it may lead to self-harming or, if he or she discloses “active suicide ideation,” Doyle said, “Always, when it becomes a safety issue, we involve Crisis Services.”
Because the students are at an age where they are exposed to substance abuse, CSO provides support and services for that as well as for peer pressure and mental health. Clinicians consult with parents on a weekly basis and provide family sessions through CSO’s Family Partner support program.
The walk-in clinic at the CSO office can accommodate families. Anybody under the age of 18 accompanied by a parent can visit the CSO office. Depending on the issue, a parent can be seen first, or they can work with a family and accommodate their needs privately without having to sit and wait, because of the many offices. “Once someone takes the first step, the final step is for the services,” Doyle said.
CSO is not just for people who struggle with chronic mental illness, she said. “It helps you get through if you have a lot on your plate. Whatever you’re thinking, we provide. We really meet the needs of the person where they’re at.”
CSO has an anger management group, services substance abuse clients mandated by the courts, anxiety and depression management, a kayaking and disc golf group, and two “clubhouses” for clients who like to socialize with other clients.
“We’ve grown incredibly,” said Doyle, who has been with CSO for 12 years. “We want to help clients feel connected to the community and lead a fun life. When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, we can pull you out of that dark place.”
The CSO at 2033 Main St. is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the programs and services offered by CSO, visit www.csoinc.org or call 978-249-9490.